How Can I Prevent Pimples from Forming?

Acne 101

Pimples can develop at
any age, but they are more common during the teenage years. They also are more
likely to occur during times of hormone level increases, such as pregnancy and menstruation.
Pimples most commonly form on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest.

Acne is the skin condition
responsible for pimples. It has no known cause, but hormonal changes and
conditions on and just under the skin’s surface play a role in the formation of
pimples. Most commonly, pimples are associated with whiteheads and blackheads.

Foods like chocolate,
pizza, and soda have been blamed for causing pimples. Despite popular urban
legends, these foods and drinks don’t have any effect on acne. Caring for your
skin is a much better way to prevent and treat acne.

What are the different types?

Acne vulgaris manifests
as various types of skin blemishes, including whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and
pustules.

Whitehead

A whitehead is a type of
acne that isn’t inflamed. Whiteheads occur when skin cells, oil, and bacteria
combine to create a white tip of oil-skin mixture. A whitehead looks like a
small pimple, but the area around it will not be inflamed and red.

Blackhead

Blackheads are also not
inflamed. They form when the plug that clogs the pore sits at the top surface
of the skin. This "plug" isn’t necessarily black, but it appears that way,
which is why they are called blackheads. Blackheads are not dirt stuck in your
pores.

Pustules
and papules

A pimple is a clogged
pore that has become infected. The infection makes a white pus-filled tip on top
of the affected pore. The area around the infected pore can become inflamed,
red, and sensitive.

How do pimples form?

Your skin is covered in
millions of tiny little wells, or pores, that sit at your hair follicles. Pores
connect the surface of your skin to an underlying gland called the sebaceous
gland. This gland produces an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is released
continually, in small amounts, into the hair follicles and skin. Dead skin
cells are also carried up with the sebum so they can be washed away.

Occasionally, the
sebaceous gland produces too much sebum. The overflow of oil can clog the pore.
The excess oil and dead skin cells form a plug in the gland. This pore becomes
clogged with sebum, oil, and possibly bacteria. The bacteria can multiply.
These bacteria can lead to an infection, swelling, and inflammation around the
clogged pore. A white tip of pus will sometimes form at the top of the clogged
pore. This creates a pimple.

Pustules
and papules

Sometimes clogged pores
become so inflamed and infected that they burst through their walls. This
causes the infection to spread, which leads to a bigger pimple. These pimples
are called pustules and papules.

Papules are hard to the
touch. They make the skin feel very rough and ragged. Pustules are filled with
a yellow-tinted pus. Pustules look more like blisters on the skin than typical
whiteheads.

Nodules
and cysts

Blocked pores can lead
to an even bigger infection called a nodule. Nodules sit deep in your skin. They
are often very painful and sore. Cysts are large like nodules, but they are
softer because they are filled with pus.

What should I do if I have a pimple?

First things first: Don’t
pop the pimple. This will allow more bacteria, dirt, and oil into the pore,
which may end up making the pimple worse.

Instead, use good skin
care techniques. Wash your skin twice a day with a mild soap. Don’t use a brush
or washcloth — use your fingers instead. Over-the-counter skin cleansers that
contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be applied to affected areas to
help the pimples clear.

If your pimples have
developed into papules or pustules, you may want to see a dermatologist. This
type of acne is difficult to treat on your own. You will get a more effective
treatment more quickly if you see a professional.

What
if my acne is nodular or cystic?

These types of acne are
more difficult to treat. It’s best for you to make an appointment to see a
dermatologist. A dermatologist is a type of doctor that specializes in treating
skin conditions like acne.

What
if I have a whitehead?

Don’t pop whiteheads.
You might cause a bigger breakout if you do. Treat whiteheads the way you do other
kinds of pimples. Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap, and look for
over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

These products help
whiteheads clear up, and they can also prevent future breakouts. In particular,
products with benzoyl peroxide help get rid of bacteria, which can lower your
chances of whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples altogether.

What
if I have a blackhead?

You shouldn’t pop or
scrape blackheads, either. Your skin needs time to heal naturally. Washing your
face daily is important to prevent blackheads. Treating blackheads, however,
may require a bit more work.

If these treatments aren’t
successful, see a dermatologist about additional treatment options.
Prescription medications as well as in-office treatments like microdermabrasion
and chemical peels may be an option for some people.

The
bottom line

Although it’s important to
eat healthfully, occasional snacking isn’t going to cause your skin to break out.
If you do break out, you shouldn’t pick, scrape, or pop the blemish. This can
amplify any irritation and inflammation.

If you have a pimple that
just won’t heal or are experiencing regular breakouts, you may want to speak
with your doctor or dermatologist. They can help you determine the best
treatment plan for you. If over-the-counter options have been unsuccessful,
they may recommend an in-office treatment or prescription medication to help
clear your acne.

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your health care provider. Please consult a health care professional with any health concerns you may have.